150 years of Palais Hansen

Vienna, 27 March 2023 – Palais Hansen Kempinski has a good reason to celebrate this year. Analogous to the current motto of Vienna Tourism "Vision and Awakening – 150 Years of the Vienna World's Exhibition", the imposing Palais Hansen, which extends over a length of 102 meteres on Vienna's Ringstrasse, can also look back on a 150-year history.

Built in 1873 by Theophil Hansen on the occasion of the Vienna World's Exhibition, the listed Palais Hansen in Schottenring is one of the most magnificent historicist buildings on Vienna's famous Ringstrasse. As the "star architect" of his time, Theophil Hansen – a native Dane and Viennese by choice – left his mark on the architecture of the Danube metropolis like no other.

Even though Palais Hansen was built as a hotel at the time, it took another 140 years for the venerable building to fulfil its original purpose. For it was not until 2013 that Europe's oldest luxury hotel chain, Kempinski, put the listed Palais, which had been renovated with the utmost care and had in the meantime been used as an official building of the City of Vienna, to its intended use and ceremoniously opened it as Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna.

Anniversary activities

In the course of the 150th anniversary, Palais Hansen Kempinski invites to an "Open Day", on 13 April guests, neighbours and interested parties, who will have the opportunity to get to know the historic Palais and the history of the hotel during guided tours. Visitors can expect a small refreshment and a raffle with attractive prizes. The hotel tours will be offered at 10:00  and 15:00.

Theophil Hansen's footsteps can be followed by guests interested in architecture as part of the anniversary package. The exclusive package includes two nights in an elegant suite, champagne and fruit in the room, and a guided tour of the city with a private guide, during which they can directly experience the extensive heritage of the famous builder. Breakfast as well as the use of Kempinski The Spa are, of course, included in the price. The anniversary package is bookable until the end of the year.

Many activities are also planned in the hotel's Lobby Lounge & Bar, a reinterpretation of the Viennese Salon. For example, Kammersänger and painter Herbert Lippert will present his masterpieces as part of an anniversary exhibition starting 22 April under the title "Ringstrasse, World's Fair and Palais Hansen". The exhibition can be viewed daily until mid-September in the lobby of Palais Hansen Kempinski.

On the following day, 23 April, the talented universal artist Lippert, together with soprano Ildikó Raimondi and actor Franz Froschauer, will whisk music lovers away to the world of Viennese operetta at Palais Hansen Kempinski. In the subsequent "Meet & Greet" with the artists, guests have the opportunity to win a painting by the artist. The OMIA Operettensalon will take place at 19:00. Tickets are available at EUR 89 per person through Culturall. A champagne reception is included in the price.

The anniversary activities will take place unhindered by the fact that the Kempinski Group will end the operation of Palais Hansen Vienna at the end of 2023. This decision will have no impact on the ongoing operation of the hotel, which will continue to operate as a luxury hotel beyond this period.

For more information on the events, please visit kempinski.com/wien as well as facebook.com/palaishansenkempinski.

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About Palais Hansen Kempinski:
Palais Hansen Kempinski houses 152 rooms and suites on three floors, two restaurants, including the richly decorated EDVARD, the Lobby Lounge & Bar and the Cigar Lounge. Numerous function rooms make the hotel a popular meeting location. The exclusive Ottoman Kempinski The Spa with pool and fitness area and upscale shopping in the lobby round out the luxury hotel's offerings.

About Kempinski Hotels:
Founded in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is the oldest luxury hotel group in Europe. The long-established company offers its guests first-class hospitality and personal service worldwide, complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of each hotel. Kempinski operates 80 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries and is currently developing more than 25 prestigious projects worldwide. Each hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of tradition; each meets the quality standards guests expect while preserving the cultural characteristics of the destination. In addition, Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest network of independent hotel brands.

Photo credit:  www.flickr.com/photos/palais-hansen-kempinski-vienna/
(© Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna)

Enquiries:

Britta Neuper-Schrenk (Director of Communications)

T: 01/236 1000 8010 | E: [email protected]